Display device having cover window, display panel, and protective layer with protective films and method of manufacturing the same

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0191076, filed on Dec. 30, 2022, and all the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. § 119, the content of which in its entirety is herein incorporated by reference.

One or more embodiments relate to a display apparatus, and more particularly, a display apparatus including a corner area.

An electronic device based on mobility is being widely used. In addition to a small-sized electronic device, such as a mobile phone, and a tablet computer is being widely used as a mobile electronic device.

Such a mobile electronic device includes a display device to support various functions and provide visual information, such as image and videos, to users. In accordance with decrease in sizes of components for driving a display apparatus, the display apparatus tends to occupy greater portions in the electronic device, and the display device having a structure bendable to a certain degree in a flat state is being developed.

One or more embodiments include a display device, in which the reliability of a corner area of a display panel may be improved.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.

According to one or more embodiments, a display apparatus includes: a cover window including a flat-surface area and a bent-surface area bent at a corner of the flat-surface area; a display panel arranged on a surface of the cover window and comprising a front display area and a corner area overlapping the flat-surface area and the bent-surface area, respectively; a first protective film, which is arranged on a surface of the display panel and overlaps the front display area; and a second protective film overlapping at least part of the corner area, where a tensile strength of the second protective film may be less than a tensile strength of the first protective film.

In an embodiment, a tensile strength of the second protective film may be from about 10 gigapascals (GPa) to about 15 GPa.

In an embodiment, Young's Modulus of the first protective film may be about five hundred times to about two thousand times Young's Modulus of the second protective film.

In an embodiment, a recovery rate of the second protective film may be from about 94% to about 97%.

In an embodiment, the bent-surface area may include a first bent-surface area and a second bent-surface area arranged outside the first bent-surface area, and a light-blocking member overlapping the second bent-surface area may be further arranged under the cover window.

In an embodiment, the second protective film may correspond to the second bent-surface area.

In an embodiment, a thickness of the first bent-surface area may be identical to a thickness of the flat-surface area, and a thickness of the bent-surface area may decrease toward an edge of the second bent-surface area.

In an embodiment, a length of an outer edge of the second protective film before attachment to the cover window may be less than a length of an arc of the cover window at which the second protective film is attached.

In an embodiment, the first protective film may include a film-corner area corresponding to the corner area of the display panel, and a flat surface of the film-corner area may have a circular-sector shape.

In an embodiment, a flat surface of the second protective film may have a circular-sector shape.

According to one or more embodiments, a display apparatus includes: a cover window including a flat-surface area and a bent-surface area bent at a corner of the flat-surface area, the bent-surface area includes a first bent-surface area and a second bent-surface area; a light-blocking member arranged under the second bent-surface area; a display panel arranged on a surface of the cover window and including a front display area and a corner area overlapping the flat-surface area and the bent-surface area, respectively; a first protective film, which is arranged on a surface of the display panel and overlaps the front display area; and a second protective film overlapping at least part of the corner area, where the first protective film and the second protective film have different physical properties from each other.

In an embodiment, a tensile strength of the second protective film is less than a tensile strength, and the tensile strength of the second protective film may be from about 10 GPa to about 15 GPa.

In an embodiment, Young's Modulus of the first protective film may be about five hundred times to about two thousand times Young's Modulus of the second protective film.

In an embodiment, a recovery rate of the second protective film may be from about 94% to about 97%.

In an embodiment, the second protective film may overlap the light-blocking member.

In an embodiment, a length of an outer edge of the second protective film before attachment to the cover window may be less than a length of an arc of the cover window at which the second protective film is attached.

In an embodiment, the first protective film may include a film-corner area corresponding to the corner area of the display panel, and a flat surface of the film-corner area may have a circular-sector shape.

In an embodiment, a flat surface of the second protective film may have a circular-sector shape.

In an embodiment, a display element may be arranged in the display panel to correspond to the first bent-surface area.

In an embodiment, an adhesive layer may be further disposed between the cover window and the display panel.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard, the present embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, the embodiments are merely described below, by referring to the figures, to explain aspects of the present description. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Throughout the disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b or c” indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

While the embodiments allow various modifications and may have various embodiments, particular embodiments thereof will be shown as examples in the drawings and will be described in detail in the following description. Advantageous effects and features of the embodiments and methods of achieving the same will be clearly understood with reference to embodiments described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments are not limited to embodiments described hereinafter and may be embodied in various types.

Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and in the descriptions with reference to the drawings, same reference numerals will be given to same or corresponding components, and descriptions thereof will not be repeatedly given.

In the following embodiments, terms such as “first,” “second” are only used to distinguish one component from another, but not in a limited sense.

In the following embodiments, unless obviously defined otherwise, singular forms also include plural forms.

In the following embodiments, terms such as “include” or “comprise” indicate existence of features or components written in the specification, and does not preclude possibility of one or more additional features or components.

In the following embodiments, when a portion such as a film, an area, or a component is “on” or “above” another portion, the portion may be directly on the other portion, and other films, areas, or components may be located therebetween.

For convenience of explanation, sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated. For example, as sizes and thicknesses are arbitrarily shown for convenience of explanation, the embodiments are not limited to the accompanying drawings.

In the following embodiments, x axis, y axis, and z axis are not limited to three axes on an orthogonal coordinate system and may be interpreted as a broader sense. For example, x axis, y axis, and z axis may be orthogonal to one another, but may also refer to different directions not orthogonal to one another.

“About”, “substantially identical” or “approximately” as used herein is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question and the error associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10% or 5% of the stated value. When a certain embodiment may be implemented differently, a specific process order may be performed differently from the described order. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially at the same time or performed in an order opposite to the described order.

1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a display apparatusaccording to an embodiment.

1 FIG. 1 1 1 1 1 1 Referring to, the display apparatus, which is an apparatus configured to display moving images or still images, may include portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones, smart phones, tablet personal computers, mobile communication terminals, electronic handbooks, electronic books, portable multimedia players, navigation devices, or ultra-mobile personal computers (“PC”). The display apparatusmay also include electronic devices, such as televisions, notebook computers, monitors, billboard charts, or Internet of Things (“IoT”) devices. Alternatively, the display apparatusmay include a wearable device, such as smart watches, watch phones, and head mounted displays (“HMD”). Alternatively, the display apparatusmay include a portion of another device. In an embodiment, for example, the display apparatusmay include a display of an arbitrary electronic device. Alternatively, the display apparatusmay include a center information display (“CID”) arranged on a dashboard or center fascia of a vehicle, may include a room mirror display substituting a side mirror of a vehicle, and may include a display arranged on a back surface of a front seat as entertainment for passengers in rear seats of a vehicle.

1 1 1 1 In an embodiment, the display apparatusmay have a square shape on a plane. As an alternative embodiment, the display apparatusmay have various shapes, such as a polygon like a triangle or a square, a circle, or an oval. In an embodiment, when the display apparatushas a polygon shape on a plane, corners of the polygon may be rounded. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a case in which the display apparatushas a square shape with rounded corners on a plane will be mainly described.

1 1 1 The display apparatusmay have a short side in a first direction (e.g., an x direction or −x direction) and a long side in a second direction (e.g., a y direction or −y direction). In another embodiment, in the display apparatus, a length of a side in the first direction (e.g., the x direction or the −x direction) and a length of a side in the second direction (e.g., the y direction or the −y direction) may be identical to each other. In another embodiment, the display apparatusmay have a long side in the first direction (e.g., the x direction or the −x direction) and a short side in the second direction (e.g., the y direction or the −y direction). A corner, at which the short side in the first direction (e.g., the x direction or the −x direction) meets the long side in the second direction (e.g., the y direction or the −y direction), may be rounded to have a certain curvature.

2 FIG. 3 FIG. 4 FIG. 10 20 30 1 20 1 30 1 is an exploded view illustrating each of a protective film, a display panel, and a cover windowof the display apparatusaccording to an embodiment.is a perspective view schematically illustrating the display panelof the display apparatusaccording to an embodiment.is a perspective view of the cover windowof the display apparatusaccording to an embodiment.

2 4 FIGS.to 1 20 30 10 Referring to, the display apparatusmay include the display panel, the cover window, and the protective film.

20 20 The display panelmay include a display area DA and a peripheral area PA outside the display area DA. A plurality of pixels PX may be arranged in the display area DA, and images may be provided by an array of the plurality of pixels PX. Each of the plurality of pixels PX may be defined as an area from which light is emitted by light-emitting devices provided in the display panel. In an embodiment, for example, each of the plurality of pixels PX may include a red subpixel, a green subpixel, and a blue subpixel. Alternatively, each of the plurality of pixels PX may include a red subpixel, a green subpixel, a blue subpixel, and a white subpixel.

According to an embodiment, the display area DA may include a front display area FDA, a side display area SDA, and a middle display area MDA. The plurality of pixels PX may be arranged in each of the front display area FDA, the side display area SDA, and the middle display area MDA. In an embodiment, the plurality of pixels PX in each of the front display area FDA, the side display area SDA, and the middle display area MDA may provide individual images.

20 The front display area FDA may include a flat surface. In an embodiment, the front display area FDA may occupy a greatest portion in the display area DA of the display panel, and therefore, may provide most of the images.

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 The side display area SDA, which is at least partially bent and includes curved surfaces, may extend outward from each edge of the front display area FDA. In an embodiment, the side display area SDA may include a first side display area SDA, a second side display area SDA, a third side display area SDA, and a fourth side display area SDA. In an embodiment, at least one of the first side display area SDA, the second side display area SDA, the third side display area SDA, and the fourth side display area SDAmay be omitted.

1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 1 3 2 4 In an embodiment, the first side display area SDAmay be adjacent to a first edge SDof the front display area FDA and may extend outward in the −y direction from the first edge SD. The second side display area SDAmay be adjacent to a second edge SDof the front display area FDA and may extend outward in the −x direction from the second edge SD. The third side display area SDAmay be adjacent to a third edge SDof the front display area FDA and may extend outward in the y direction from the third edge SD. The fourth side display area SDAmay be adjacent to a fourth edge SDof the front display area FDA and may extend outward in the −x direction from the fourth edge SD. In this case, the first side display area SDAand the third side display area SDAmay be opposite to each other with the front display area FDA between, and the second side display area SDAand the fourth side display area SDAmay be opposite to each other with the front display area FDA between.

3 FIG. 1 2 3 4 1 3 2 4 1 2 3 4 1 3 2 4 1 2 1 2 As shown in, the first side display area SDA, the second side display area SDA, the third side display area SDA, and the fourth side display area SDAmay each have a curved surface that is bent with a certain curvature. In an embodiment, for example, the first side display area SDAand the third side display area SDAmay each have a curved surface that is bent with reference to a bending axis extending in the x direction, and the second side display area SDAand the fourth side display area SDAmay each have a curved surface that is bent with reference to a bending axis extending in the y direction. Curvatures of the first side display area SDA, the second side display area SDA, the third side display area SD, and the fourth side display area SDAmay be identical to or different from one another. In an embodiment, for example, the curvature of the first side display area SDAand the curvature of the third side display area SDAmay be identical to each other, and the curvature of the second side display area SDAand the curvature of the fourth side display area SDAmay be identical to each other. In an embodiment, for example, the curvature of the first side display area SDAmay be different from the curvature of the second side display area SDA. As another example, the curvature of the first side display area SDAmay be identical to the curvature of the second side display area SDA.

1 1 FIG. The middle display area MDA may be arranged between the front display area FDA and a corner area CA to be described later. In addition, the middle display area MDA may be between the side display area SDA and the corner area CA. The middle display area MDA may extend between the front display area FDA and the corner area CA and between the side display area SDA and the corner area CA. When the display apparatushas a square shape on a plane as shown in, the number of middle display area MDA may be four.

In an embodiment, the middle display area MDA may include the plurality of pixels PX, and a driver and the like configured to provide electric signals or power to each display area DA may be arranged in the middle display area MDA. In some embodiments, the plurality of pixels PX in the middle display area MDA may be disposed above the driver and the like in the middle display area MDA, in an overlapping manner. In some embodiments, a pixel circuit configured to drive the plurality of pixels PX in the middle display area MDA may be arranged in the front display area FDA, the side display area SDA, and/or the corner area CA, which are adjacent to the middle display area MDA.

20 1 1 3 FIG. The display panelshown inmay display images in the side display area SDA and the middle display area MDA, as well as in the front display area FDA. Accordingly, a portion occupied by the display area DA in the display apparatusmay increase. That is, in the display apparatushaving a same size, a range of the display area PA may decrease and a range of the display area DA may increase.

20 The plurality of pixels PX are not arranged in the peripheral area PA of the display panel, and accordingly, the peripheral area PA may include an area in which images are not provided. The peripheral area PA may include the peripheral area PA outside the display area DA. The peripheral area PA may entirely or partially surround the display area DA. A component, e.g., a driver configured to provide electric signals or power to the display area DA, may be arranged in the peripheral area PA.

20 1 2 1 2 20 The display panelaccording to the embodiment may include the corner area CA. The corner area CA may be at a corner at which two adjacent edges of the front display area FDA meet each other. In an embodiment, for example, the corner area CA may be at a corner at which the first edge SDand the second edge SDof the front display area FDA meet each other, and the corner area CA may be adjacent to the first side display area SDAand the second side display area SDA. When the display panelhas a square shape on a plane, the number of corner areas CA may be four.

1 1 2 1 2 The corner area CA is between the side display areas SDA adjacent to each other and having bent surfaces bent in different directions, and therefore, the corner area CA may include a bent surface in which the bent surfaces bent in various directions are continuously connected. In addition, when the side display areas SDA adjacent to each other have different curvatures, the curvature of the corner area CA may gradually change along the edges of the display apparatus. In an embodiment, for example, when the curvature of the first side display area SDAand the curvature of the second side display area SDAare different from each other, the corner area CA between the first side display area SDAand the second side display area SDAmay have a curvature gradually changing according to positions.

1 2 Although the first side display area SDAand the second side display area SDAand the corner area CA therebetween is described as an example, the example may be similarly applied to other three corner areas CA.

In some embodiments, the corner area CA may include a non-display area in which pixels PX are not arranged. In this case, components, e.g., a driver configured to provide electric signals or power, may be arranged in the corner area CA.

20 20 20 1 In another embodiment, pixels PX may be arranged in the corner area CA and display images. In this case, a portion occupied by the display area DA in the display panelmay further increase. That is, in the display panelhaving a same size, a range of the non-display area may decrease and a range of the display area DA may increase. In addition, the display paneland the display apparatusincluding the same may include, at the corner, the corner area CA including bent surfaces rounded at corners and displaying images, and therefore, an aesthetic sense thereof may be improved.

30 20 20 20 The cover windowmay be arranged on a front surface of the display panel. Here, the ‘front surface’ of the display panelmay be defined as a surface facing a direction in which the display panelprovides images.

30 20 30 20 30 1 1 According to an embodiment, the cover windowmay be arranged to cover the front surface of the display panel. The cover windowmay protect the front surface of the display panel. In addition, the cover windowmay form an appearance of the display apparatus, and accordingly, may include a plane and bent surfaces corresponding to the shape of the display apparatusdescribed above.

30 20 The cover windowmay be attached to the display panelby an adhesive layer (not shown). The adhesive layer may include an adhesive member, e.g., an optical clear adhesive (“OCA”) or a pressure sensitive adhesive (“PSA”).

30 20 1 30 20 The cover windowmay have a high transmittance to transmit the light emitted from the display paneland a small thickness to minimize a weight of the display apparatus. In addition, the cover windowmay have high intensity and rigidity to protect the display panelfrom foreign impacts.

30 30 20 30 30 30 30 In an embodiment, for example, the cover windowmay include a flexible window. The cover windowmay protect the display panelby being easily bent due to foreign forces without cracks. As another example, the cover windowmay include glass, sapphire, or plastic. In an embodiment, for example, the cover windowmay include ultra-thin glass (“UTGR”), an intensity of which has been improved in a chemical strengthening method or a thermal strengthening method. In another embodiment, the cover windowmay include ultra-thin glass (UTG®) and colorless polyimide (“CPI”). In an embodiment, the cover windowmay have a structure in which a flexible polymer layer is disposed on a surface of a glass substrate, or may only include a polymer layer.

4 FIG. 30 20 20 As shown in, the cover windowmay have a flat-surface area FA having a flat surface and a bent-surface area BA having a bent shape. The flat-surface area FA may overlap the front display area FDA of the display panel. The bent-surface area BA may overlap the side display area SDA, the corner area CA, and the peripheral area PA of the display panel.

1 2 3 4 The bent-surface area BA may be bent while surrounding at least part of the flat-surface area FA. In an embodiment, the bent-surface area BA may include a first bent-surface area BA, a second bent-surface area BA, a third bent-surface area BA, and a fourth bent-surface area BA.

1 2 1 30 The first bent-surface area BAand the second bent-surface area BAmay be bent at a corner CN of the cover window. Here, the corner CN may include a portion in which a long side in the first direction (e.g., the y direction or the −y direction) and a short side in the second direction (e.g., the x direction or the −x direction) of the display apparatusand/or the cover windowmeet each other.

1 20 1 3 The first bent-surface area BAmay overlap the corner area CA of the display panel. The first bent-surface area BAmay be between the third bent-surface areas BAadjacent to each other.

2 1 1 1 2 20 2 4 The second bent-surface area BA, which is an area extending from the first bent-surface area BA, may include an area arranged outside the first bent-surface area BA. Like the first bent-surface area BA, the second bent-surface area BAmay overlap at least part of the corner area CA of the display panel. The second bent-surface area BAmay be between the fourth bent-surface areas BAadjacent to each other.

3 20 3 1 2 3 4 20 3 3 3 1 3 2 4 1 3 The third bent-surface area BAmay overlap the side display area SDA of the display panel. In an embodiment, for example, the third bent-surface area BAmay overlap the first side display area SDA, the second side display area SDA, the third side display area SDA, and the fourth side display area SDAof the display panel. The third bent-surface area BAmay be bent having a radius of curvature. The third bent-surface area BAmay include a portion extending in the first direction (e.g., the y direction or the −y direction) and a portion extending in the second direction (e.g., the x direction or the −x direction). That is, the third bent-surface area BAmay include a portion, which extend in the first direction and overlapping the first side display area SDAand the third side display area SDA, and a portion extending in the second direction and overlapping the second side display area SDAand the fourth side display area SDA. In an embodiment, the first bent-surface area BAmay be between the portions of the third bent-surface area BA, and the portions may extend in the first direction and the second direction, respectively.

4 3 4 20 4 2 4 The fourth bent-surface area BAmay include an area extending from the third bent-surface area BA. The fourth bent-surface area BAmay overlap a peripheral area PA of the display panel. The fourth bent-surface area BAmay include a portion extending in the first direction (e.g., the y direction or the −y direction) and a portion extending in the second direction (e.g., the x direction or the −x direction). In an embodiment, the second bent-surface area BAmay be between the portions of the fourth bent-surface area BA, the portions may extend in the first direction and the second direction, respectively.

2 FIG. 10 20 10 20 20 30 10 20 30 Referring to, the protective filmmay be on a back surface of the display panel. That is, the protective filmmay be on another surface of the display panelfacing the surface of the display panelin which the cover windowis arranged. Here, the protective filmmay protect the display panelfrom foreign impacts and absorb impacts from the cover windowand the like.

10 11 12 11 20 11 20 12 11 12 11 12 In the embodiment, the protective filmmay include a first protective filmand a second protective filmhaving different physical properties, respectively. The first protective filmmay overlap the front display area FDA and the side display area SDA of the display panel. In addition, the first protective filmmay overlap a portion of the corner area CA of the display panel. The second protective filmmay overlap at least part of the corner area CA. The first protective filmand the second protective filmmay have different physical properties. Details of the first protective filmand the second protective filmwill be described later.

5 FIG. is an equivalent circuit diagram of any one pixel circuit PC included in the display panel according to embodiments.

5 FIG. 1 2 1 2 Referring to, the pixel circuit PC may include a plurality of thin-film transistors (i.e., a driving thin-film transistor Tand a switching thin-film transistor T) and a storage capacitor Cst, and may be electrically connected to an organic light-emitting diode OLED. In an embodiment, the pixel circuit PC may include the driving thin-film transistor T, the switching thin-film transistor T, and a storage capacitor Cst.

2 1 2 2 The switching thin-film transistor Tmay be connected to a scan line SL and a data line DL, and may be configured to deliver a data signal or data voltage from the data line DL to the driving thin-film transistor T, in response to a scan signal or switching voltage input from the scan line SL. The storage capacitor Cst may be connected to the switching thin-film transistor Tand a driving voltage line PL, and may be configured to store a voltage corresponding to a difference between the voltage transmitted from the switching thin-film transistor Tand a first power voltage ELVDD supplied to the driving voltage line PL.

1 The driving thin-film transistor Tmay be connected to the driving voltage line PL and the storage capacitor Cst, and may be configured to control a driving voltage flowing through the organic light-emitting diode OLED from the driving voltage line PL, in response to a value of the voltage stored in the storage capacitor Cst. A counter electrode (e.g., a cathode) of the organic light-emitting diode OLED may receive a second power voltage ELVSS. The organic light-emitting diode OLED may emit light having a certain luminance in response to the driving current.

5 FIG. Although a case in which the pixel circuit PC includes two thin-film transistors and one storage capacitor is described with reference to, the embodiments are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, for example, the pixel circuit PC may include three or more thin-film transistors and/or two or more storage capacitors. In an embodiment, the pixel circuit PC may include seven thin-film transistors and one storage capacitor. The numbers of the thin-film transistors and storage capacitors may be variously modified according to designs of the pixel circuit PC.

1 1 1 1 1 Although the embodiment in which the display apparatusincludes the organic light-emitting diode OLED as the light-emitting device has been described above, the display apparatusaccording to the embodiments is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the display apparatusmay include a light-emitting display including an inorganic light-emitting diode, i.e., an inorganic light-emitting display. In another embodiment, the display apparatusmay include a quantum dot light-emitting display. However, for convenience of explanation, the case in which the display apparatusincludes the organic light-emitting device OLED will be described hereinafter.

6 FIG. 20 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of the display panelprovided in the display apparatusaccording to embodiments.

6 FIG. 20 100 Referring to, the display panelmay include a substrate, a pixel circuit layer PCL, a display layer DISL, a thin-film encapsulation layer TFE, and a touch sensing layer TSL.

100 100 100 101 102 103 104 101 103 102 104 100 The substratemay have a multiple-layer structure including a base layer and an inorganic layer, wherein the base layer includes a polymer resin. In an embodiment, for example, the substratemay include a base layer, which includes a polymer resin, and a barrier layer including an inorganic insulating layer. In an embodiment, for example, the substratemay include a first base layer, a first barrier layer, a second base layer, and a second barrier layerbeing sequentially stacked. The first base layerand the second base layermay include polyimide (“PI”), polyethersulfone (“PES”), polyarylate, polyetherimide (“PEI”), polyethylene naphthalate (“PEN”), polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), polyphenylene sulfide (“PPS”), polycarbonate (“PC”), cellulose triacetate (“TAC”), cellulose acetate propionate (“CAP”), and/or the like. The first barrier layerand the second barrier layermay include an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, and/or silicon nitride. The substratemay have flexibility.

100 111 112 113 114 115 116 The pixel circuit layer PCL may be disposed on the substrate. The pixel circuit layer PCL may include the pixel circuit PC including a thin-film transistor TFT and the storage capacitor Cst. In addition, the pixel circuit layer PCL may further include a buffer layer, a first gate insulating layer, a second gate insulating layer, an interlayer-insulating layer, a first planarization insulating layer, and a second planarization insulating layerdisposed under or/and on components of the pixel circuit PC.

111 100 100 111 The buffer layermay reduce or prevent permeation of foreign materials, moisture, or foreign air from under the substrate, and may provide a flat surface on the substrate. The buffer layermay include an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, or/and silicon nitride, and may include a single-layer structure or a multiple-layer structure including the aforementioned materials.

111 The thin-film transistor TFT on the buffer layermay include a semiconductor layer Act, and the semiconductor layer Act may include polysilicon. Alternatively, the semiconductor layer Act may include amorphous silicon, an oxide semiconductor, or an organic semiconductor. The semiconductor layer Act may include a channel area C and a drain area D and a source area S arranged at opposite sides of the channel area C, respectively. The gate electrode GE may overlap the channel area C.

The gate electrode GE may include a low-resistance metal material. The gate electrode GE may include a conductive material including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), and/or the like, and may include multiple layers or a single layer including the aforementioned materials.

112 2 x 2 3 2 2 5 2 x x 2 The first gate insulating layerbetween the semiconductor layer Act and the gate electrode GE may include an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide (SiO), silicon nitride (SiN), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (AlO), titanium oxide (TiO), tantalum oxide (TaO), hafnium oxide (HfO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or the like. Here, ZnOmay include zinc oxide (ZnO) and/or zinc peroxide (ZnO).

113 112 113 2 x 2 3 2 2 5 2 x x 2 The second gate insulating layermay cover the gate electrode GE. Similarly to the first gate insulating layer, the second gate insulating layermay include an organic insulating material, such as SiO, SiN, SiON, AlO, TiO, TaO, HfO, ZnO, or the like. Here, ZnOmay include ZnO and/or ZnO.

2 113 2 113 2 113 1 An upper electrode Cstof the storage capacitor Cst may be disposed on the second gate insulating layer. The upper electrode Cstmay overlap the gate electrode GE thereunder. Here, the second gate insulating layerand the upper electrode Cst, which overlap each other with the second gate insulating layertherebetween, may together form the storage capacitor Cst. That is, the gate electrode GE may function as a lower electrode Cstof the storage capacitor Cst.

Like this, the storage capacitor Cst and the storage capacitor Cst may overlap each other. In some embodiments, the storage capacitor Cst may not overlap the thin-film transistor TFT.

2 The upper electrode Cstmay include aluminum (AI), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and/or copper (Cu), and may include a single layer or multiple layers including the aforementioned materials.

114 2 114 114 2 x 2 3 2 2 5 2 x x 2 The interlayer-insulating layermay cover the upper electrode Cst. The interlayer-insulating layermay include SiO, SiN, SiON, AlO, TiO, TaO, HfO, ZnO, or the like. Here, ZnOmay include ZnO and/or ZnO. The interlayer-insulating layermay include a single layer or multiple layers including the aforementioned inorganic insulating materials.

114 A drain electrode DE and a source electrode SE may each be on the interlayer-insulating layer. The drain electrode DE and the source electrode SE may be connected to the drain area D and the source area S through contact holes under the drain electrode DE and the source electrode SE, respectively. The drain electrode DE and the source electrode SE may include highly conductive materials. The drain electrode DE and the source electrode SE may include a conductive material including Mo, Al, Cu, or/and Ti, and may include multiple layers or a single layer including the aforementioned materials. In an embodiment, the drain electrode DE and the source electrode SE may each include a multiple-layer structure including Ti/Al/Ti.

115 115 The first planarization insulating layermay cover the drain electrode DE and the source electrode SE. The first planarization insulating layermay include an organic insulating material, such as a general-purpose polymer like poly(methyl methacrylate) (“PMMA”) or polystyrene (“PS”), a polymer derivative having a phenol-based group, an acryl-based polymer, an imide-based polymer, an aryl ether-based polymer, an amide-based polymer, a fluoride-based polymer, a p-xylene-based polymer, a vinyl alcohol-based polymer, or/and a blend thereof.

116 115 116 115 The second planarization insulating layermay be disposed on the first planarization insulating layer. The second planarization insulating layermay include a same material as the material included in the first planarization insulating layer, and may include an organic insulating material, such as a general-purpose polymer like PMMA or PS, a polymer derivative having a phenol-based group, an acryl-based polymer, an imide-based polymer, an aryl ether-based polymer, an amide-based polymer, a fluoride-based polymer, a p-xylene-based polymer, a vinyl alcohol-based polymer, or/and a blend thereof.

200 120 200 210 220 230 The display layer DISL may be disposed on the pixel circuit layer PCL having the aforementioned structure. The display layer DISL may include a light-emitting deviceand a pixel defining film. The light-emitting devicemay include, for example, the organic light-emitting diode OLED, and the organic light-emitting diode OLED may include a stack structure including a pixel electrode, an intermediate layer, and a counter electrode. The organic light-emitting diode OLED may emit, e.g., red, green, or blue light, or may emit red, green, blue, or white light. The organic light-emitting diode OLED may emit light through an emission area, and may define the emission area as the pixel PX.

210 116 210 115 116 115 The pixel electrodemay be disposed on the second planarization insulating layer. The pixel electrodemay contact a contact metal CM, which is disposed on the first planarization insulating layer, through contact holes formed in the second planarization insulating layerand the first planarization insulating layer, and may be electrically connected to the thin-film transistor TFT through the contact metal CM.

210 210 210 2 3 2 3 The pixel electrodemay include a conductive oxide material, such as indium tin oxide (“ITO”), indium zinc oxide (“IZO”), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (InO), indium gallium oxide (“IGO”), or aluminum zinc oxide (“AZO”). In another embodiment, the pixel electrodemay include a reflective film including Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the pixel electrodemay further include a film including ITO, IZO, ZnO, or/and InOunder/above the aforementioned reflective film.

120 210 120 120 210 120 120 200 120 120 120 The pixel defining filmis disposed on the pixel electrode. The pixel defining filmdefine an openingOP therein exposing a center portion of the pixel electrode. The pixel defining filmmay include an organic insulating material and/or an inorganic insulating material. The openingOP may define an emission area in which light is emitted from the light-emitting device. In an embodiment, for example, a size/a width of the openingOP may correspond to a size/a width of the emission area. Accordingly, a size and/or a width of the pixel PX may be dependent on the size and/or the width of the openingOP of the pixel defining filmcorresponding to the pixel PX.

220 222 210 222 222 The intermediate layermay include an emission layercorresponding to the pixel electrode. The emission layermay include a high-molecular or low-molecular organic material emitting light having certain colors. Alternatively, the emission layermay include an inorganic light-emitting material or quantum dots.

221 223 222 221 223 222 230 221 223 100 A first function layerand a second function layermay be arranged under and on the emission layer, respectively. The first function layermay include, for example, a hole transport layer (“HTL”), or may include an HTL and a hole injection layer (“HIL”). The second function layer, which is a component disposed above the emission layer, may include an electron transport layer (“ETL”) and/or an electron injection layer (“EIL”). Like the counter electrodeto be described later, the first function layerand/or the second function layermay include a common layer to entirely cover the substrate.

230 210 210 230 230 230 230 100 2 3 The counter electrodemay be disposed above the pixel electrodeand overlap the pixel electrode. The counter electrodemay include a conductive material having a small work function. In an embodiment, for example, the counter electrodemay include a (semi) transparent layer including Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, or/and alloys thereof. Alternatively, the counter electrodemay further include a layer including ITO, IZO, ZnO, or/and InOand the like on the (semi) transparent layer including the aforementioned materials. The counter electrodemay be integrally formed to entirely cover the substrate.

20 200 200 1 1 FIGS.A andB The display panelmay include a plurality of light-emitting devices, which may be configured to provide images by emitting light through the pixels PX. That is, the display area DA (see) may be defined by the plurality of light-emitting devices.

230 200 200 310 320 330 4 FIG. The thin-film encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the counter electrodeof the light-emitting deviceand cover the light-emitting devicesof the display layer DISL. The thin-film encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer, and as an embodiment,illustrates that the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE includes a first inorganic encapsulation layer, an organic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layerbeing sequentially stacked.

310 330 320 320 320 320 The first inorganic encapsulation layerand the second inorganic encapsulation layermay include one or more inorganic materials among aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride. The organic encapsulation layermay include a polymer-based material. The polymer-based material may include an acryl-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, or/and polyimide and polyethylene. In an embodiment, the organic encapsulation layermay include acrylate. The organic encapsulation layermay be formed by curing a monomer or coating with polymer. The organic encapsulation layermay be transparent.

6 FIG. The touch sensing layer TSL may be disposed on the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE. In an embodiment, as shown in, the touch sensing layer TSL may be formed directly on the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE, and in this case, an adhesive layer may be not between the touch sensing layer TSL and the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE.

The touch sensing layer TSL may obtain coordination information according to a foreign input, e.g., a touch event. The touch sensing layer TSL may include, for example, a sensing electrode and signal lines connected to the sensing electrode. The touch sensing layer TSL may sense foreign inputs in a mutual cap scheme or a self-cap scheme.

7 FIG. 1 FIG. 7 FIG. 8 8 FIGS.A andB 1 1 10 20 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the display apparatusaccording to an embodiment, which is taken along line I-I′ shown in. More particularly,illustrates cross-sections of a portion of a front surface and a corner of the display apparatus.are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating a process in which a protective filmis formed on the display panel.

7 FIG. 1 20 30 20 10 20 10 11 12 Referring to, the display apparatusmay include the display panel, the cover windowdisposed above the display panel, and the protective filmdisposed under the display panel. In the present embodiment, the protective filmmay include a first protective filmand a second protective film.

20 30 20 30 The display panelmay be disposed under the cover window. The display panelmay be attached to the cover windowby an adhesive layer ADL. The adhesive layer ADL may include an adhesive member, e.g., an optical clear adhesive (“OCA”) or a pressure sensitive adhesive (“PSA”).

30 1 2 30 1 1 2 2 1 2 30 1 The cover windowmay include the flat-surface area FA, the first bent-surface area BA, and the second bent-surface area BA. In the cover window, a thickness ta of the flat-surface area FA, a thickness tbof the first bent-surface area BA, and a thickness tbof the second bent-surface area BAmay be substantially identical to one another. The first bent-surface area BAand the second bent-surface area BAof the cover windowmay be bent with a first curvature radius R.

20 30 20 1 2 30 The front display area FDA of the display panelmay overlap the flat-surface area FA of the cover window. The corner area CA of the display panelmay overlap the first bent-surface area BAand the second bent-surface area BAof the cover window.

2 30 20 A light-blocking member BM may be disposed under the second bent-surface area BAof the cover window. The light-blocking member BM, which is for covering a lower structure disposed thereunder, may overlap a peripheral area PA of the display panel. The light-blocking member BM may include a light-shielding material. The light-blocking member BM may include a resin carbon black, a carbon nanotube, and/or a black pigment. Alternatively, the light-blocking member BM may include Ni, Al, Mo, and/or alloys thereof. The light-blocking member BM may be coated in an inkjet method or attached as a film type.

10 20 10 11 12 11 20 11 20 3 FIG. The protective filmmay be disposed under the display panel. The protective filmmay include the first protective filmand the second protective film. The first protective filmmay correspond to the front display area FDA and the side display area SDA (see) of the display panel. In some embodiments, the first protective filmmay correspond to a portion of the corner area CA of the display panel.

12 20 12 12 2 30 The second protective filmmay correspond to the corner area CA of the display panel. In some embodiment, the second protective filmmay correspond to an outer area/portion of the corner area CA. The second protective filmmay overlap at least a portion of the second bent-surface area BAof the cover window.

11 12 11 20 12 12 11 12 11 12 11 The first protective filmand the second protective filmmay have different physical properties. The first protective filmis for protecting most of a bottom surface of the display panel, and may include a material having a high tensile strength and a low strain rate. The second protective film, which is arranged in the corner area CA that is bent, may include a material that may be deformable according to the shape of the corner area CA. A tensile strength of the second protective filmmay be lower than a tensile strength of the first protective film. In addition, a strain rate of the second protective filmmay be greater than a strain rate of the first protective film. A recovery rate of the second protective filmmay be greater than a recovery rate of the first protective film.

11 12 11 12 In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the first protective filmmay be about five to ten times the tensile strength of the second protective film. In an embodiment, for example, the tensile strength of the first protective filmmay be about 80 GPa, and the tensile strength of the second protective filmmay be from about 10 GPa to about 15 GPa.

11 12 11 12 In some embodiments, Young's Modulus of the first protective filmmay be from about five hundred times to two thousand times Young's Modulus of the second protective film. In an embodiment, for example, the Young's Modulus of the first protective filmmay be from about 2 GPa to about 4 GPa, and the Young's Modulus of the second protective filmmay be from about 0.002 GPa to about 0.004 GPa.

12 In some embodiments, the recovery rate of the second protective filmmay be from about 94% to about 97%.

11 12 The first protective filmmay include polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The second protective filmmay include a polymer resin, such as polyurethane, polycarbonate, polypropylene, and polyethylene, or may include an elastic material, such as rubber, a urethane-based material, or sponge obtained by performing foaming plastic process on an acryl-based material.

11 12 20 20 30 12 20 The first protective filmand the second protective filmmay be formed or disposed on the bottom surface of the display panelbefore the display panelis attached to the cover window. The second protective filmmay be manufactured in the form of a film and attached to the bottom surface of the display panel, or may be formed by coating a liquid resin through an inkjet method and curing the liquid resin.

8 FIG.A 8 FIG.B 11 20 12 12 11 20 Referring to, the first protective filmmay be first attached to the bottom surface of the display panel, and then the second protective filmhaving the film shape may be attached. Alternatively, as shown in, the second protective filmmay be formed by attaching the first protective filmto the bottom surface of the display paneland then curing the liquid resin through the inkjet method.

9 10 FIGS.and 10 1 each are a top-plan view illustrating a portion of the protective filmthat may be included in the display apparatusaccording to embodiments.

9 FIG. 10 11 12 11 11 Referring to, the protective filmmay include the first protective filmand the second protective film. The first protective filmmay include a middle area MA and a side area SA. In addition, the first protective filmmay include a film-corner area CCA.

11 20 11 20 11 20 20 3 FIG. The middle area MA of the first protective filmmay correspond to the front display area FDA of the display panel(see). The side area SA of the first protective filmmay correspond to the side display area SDA of the display panel. The film-corner area CCA of the first protective filmmay correspond to the middle display area MDA and the corner area CA of the display panel. The film-corner area CCA may have the form of a circular sector having a central angle of 90 degrees. In this case, a length r of a radius of the circular sector may be a shorter length than a length L of the side area SA in contact with the circular sector. An area of the film-corner area CCA may be smaller than each of areas of the corner area CA and middle display area MDA of the display panel.

12 20 11 12 12 20 12 12 20 30 30 12 12 30 30 12 2 FIG. The second protective filmmay correspond to an outer portion of the corner area CA of the display panel. Compared with the first protective film, the second protective filmmay have a less tensile strength and a greater strain rate. As the second protective filmhas a high strain rate, when the corner area CA of the display panelis deformed to have a certain curvature, crimping or buckling may not occur to the second protective film. The second protective film, which corresponds to the corner area CA of the display panel, may eventually receive a compressive stress when attached to the cover window(see). To prevent such situation, in consideration of a curvature of the cover window, a lengthL of an outer corner of the second protective filmaccording to the embodiments may be less than a lengthL of an arc of the cover windowto which the second protective filmis attached.

10 20 20 10 30 30 The protective filmmay be attached to the bottom surface of the display panel, and the display panel, to which the protective filmhas been attached, may be attached to the cover windowaccording to the shape of the cover window.

12 20 30 30 In this case, the second protective filmattached to the bottom surface of the display panelmay be stretched when being attached to the cover windowand may be deformed to fit the curvature of the cover window, and then may be released from the compressive stress.

9 FIG. 10 FIG. 10 FIG. 12 20 11 20 20 12 20 12 12 11 12 12 Althoughillustrates that the second protective filmis arranged to correspond to the outer area of the corner area CA of the display panel, the embodiments are not limited thereto. In another embodiment, as shown in, the first protective filmmay only include the middle area MA corresponding to the front display area FDA of the display paneland the side area SA corresponding to the side display area SDA of the display panelwithout the film-corner area CCA, and the second protective filmmay be arranged to correspond to the entire portion of the corner area CA of the display panel. In some embodiments, the second protective filmmay be provided in the form of a circular sector. In this case, the length r of the radius of the circular sector of the second protective filmmay be identical to a length L of a side of the side area SA of the first protective film.illustrates that the second protective filmhas the form of a circular sector having the central angle of 90 degrees, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. In some embodiment, the second protective filmmay be provided in the form of a circular sector having a central angle from about 60 degrees to about 180 degrees.

11 FIG. 11 FIG. 11 FIG. 7 FIG. 1 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the display apparatusaccording to another embodiment. More particularly,illustrates cross-sections of a portion of the front surface and a corner of the display apparatus. In, same reference numerals as those ofindicate same components, and therefore, descriptions thereof will not be repeatedly given.

11 FIG. 1 20 30 20 10 20 Referring to, the display apparatusmay include the display panel, the cover windowdisposed above the display panel, and the protective filmdisposed under the display panel.

30 1 2 1 2 30 2 2 The cover windowmay include the flat-surface area FA and the bent-surface area BA that is bent at the corner of the flat-surface area FA. The bent-surface area BA may include the first bent-surface area BAand the second bent-surface area BA. The first bent-surface area BAis adjacent to the flat-surface area FA, and the second bent-surface area BAis adjacent to an edge of the cover window. The light-blocking member BM may be on the bottom surface of the second bent-surface area BA, and cover at least a portion of the second bent-surface area BA.

30 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 In the present embodiment, the thickness ta of the flat-surface area FA of the cover windowand the thickness tbof the first bent-surface area BAmay be substantially identical to each other. The second bent-surface area BAmay be provided in a tapered shape. That is, the thickness tbat an edge of the second bent-surface area BAmay be less than the thickness tbat a center portion of the second bent-surface area BA, and the thickness tbat a center portion of the second bent-surface area BAmay be less than the thickness tbat the border between the first bent-surface area BAand the second bent-surface area BA. In an embodiment, for example, the thickness tbof the second bent-surface area BAmay decrease toward the edge of the second bent-surface area BA. In an embodiment, the thickness tbat the edge of the second bent-surface area BAmay be in a range from about 60% to about 90% of the first thickness tbof the first bent-surface area BA. As the second bent-surface area BAis provided in a tapered shape, the compressive stress, which occurs when the second bent-surface area BAis bent, may be small. Accordingly, crimping or buckling that may occur to the second bent area BAor thereunder may be not found or effectively reduced.

20 30 20 1 2 30 The front display area FDA of the display panelmay overlap the flat-surface area FA of the cover window. The corner area CA of the display panelmay overlap the first bent-surface area BAand the second bent-surface area BAof the cover window.

10 20 10 11 12 11 20 11 20 3 FIG. The protective filmmay be disposed under the display panel. The protective filmmay include the first protective filmand the second protective film. The first protective filmmay correspond to the front display area FDA and the side display area SDA (see) of the display panel. In some embodiments, the first protective filmmay correspond to a portion of the corner area CA of the display panel.

12 20 12 12 2 30 The second protective filmmay correspond to the corner area CA of the display panel. The second protective filmmay correspond to the outer area of the corner area CA. The second protective filmmay overlap the second bent-surface area BAof the cover window.

11 12 11 20 12 12 11 12 11 12 11 The first protective filmand the second protective filmmay have different physical properties. The first protective filmis for protecting most of a bottom surface of the display panel, and may include a material having a high tensile strength and a low strain rate. The second protective film, which is arranged in the corner area CA that is bent, may include a material that may be deformable according to the shape of the corner area CA. A tensile strength of the second protective filmmay be lower than a tensile strength of the first protective film. In addition, a strain rate of the second protective filmmay be greater than a strain rate of the first protective film. A recovery rate of the second protective filmmay be greater than a recovery rate of the first protective film.

11 12 11 12 In some embodiments, the tensile strength of the first protective filmmay be about five to ten times the tensile strength of the second protective film. In an embodiment, for example, the tensile strength of the first protective filmmay be about 80 GPa, and the tensile strength of the second protective filmmay be from about 10 GPa to about 15 GPa.

11 12 11 12 In some embodiments, Young's Modulus of the first protective filmmay be from about five hundred times to two thousand times Young's Modulus of the second protective film. In an embodiment, for example, the Young's Modulus of the first protective filmmay be from about 2 GPa to about 4 GPa, and the Young's Modulus of the second protective filmmay be from about 0.002 GPa to about 0.004 GPa.

12 In some embodiments, the recovery rate of the second protective filmmay be from about 94% to about 97%.

The display apparatus according to the embodiments includes the first protective film and the second protective film having different tensile strengths, respectively, and therefore, the reliability of the corner area of the display panel may be effectively improved.

It should be understood that embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodiment should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. While one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope as defined by the following claims.